Strategies for Designing Group Work that Works

Group Work Comprehensive Teaching Guide from CBE-Life Sciences Education

The CBE-Life Sciences Education journal has synthesized the research on group work to create a teaching guide on best practices, with references for each component (https://lse.ascb.org/evidence-based-teaching-guides/group-work/).

Setting Ground Rules

Have you ever been in a group discussion where one or two people dominated the conversation? How about a time when you wanted to share an idea, but were immediately interrupted? Ever witness someone saying something insensitive or innappropriate and not sure how to intervene? What about a time when the group discussion digressed so much that little was accomplished from the intended goal?

Most of us have had the above experiences, and for students these can be frequent experiences in classes that include group discussion and group work. At the same time, group collaboration and discussion skills are important skills for students (and instructors) to develop.

The strategy of setting ground rules for group discussion can be an effective technique for promoting an inclusive climate. Students may create their own grown rules or instructors may wish to provide them. Once developed and communicated, ground rules can be revisited at any time.

Sample ground rules:

Allow the speaker to complete their thought before making a comment (avoid interrupting).

Do not engage in texting or side conversations during group discussion.

Provide opportunities for individuals who have not yet spoken to offer their thoughts.

Use the following resource to help group members discuss the behaviors that they most identify with, and how those behaviors might positively or negatively impact the group. After this exercise, students may be more open to naming these behaviors when they occur.

Student group work in educational settingsA short description of different approaches to student group work and their benefits, requirements, and implementation logistics, prepared by CU-SEI and UBC-CWSEI staff & associates.

Common Group Work Challenges and Solutions

Review some common problems and solutions for group work, from George Washington University’s Teaching and Learning Center: